It’s almost time to sing happy birthday to America for the *checks notes* 247th time. We’ve rounded up some beefy options for celebrating over the holiday weekend.
Freedom 4 Miler | Saturday, July 1 | 7 a.m. | Al Lopez Park, 4810 N. Himes Ave., Tampa | $25-$60 | Start the holiday weekend with a four-mile run benefiting families of fallen soldiers.
Community Independence Day Cookout | Saturday, July 1 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | First Unity Spiritual Campus, 460 46th Ave. N., St. Petersburg | Free | Bring the kiddos + camp chairs by for grilled eats, a bouncy house, and games.
Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest | Tuesday, July 4 | 4-5 p.m. | Armature Works, Tampa | $25 | Something about the Fourth makes us want a hot dog real bad. Put away as many Butcher n’ Barbecue dogs as you can in five minutes — winner takes home a $500 gift card + a championship belt.